Bridge Payments for Farmers and E.U. Approves Trade Deal with U.S.
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson and this is your Agribusiness Update.
**Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says trade deals under consideration may help reduce farmers’ long-term dependence on federal support, even as a short-term aid package is being readied.
President Trump’s administration argues that expanding foreign market access through new trade agreements will create “unprecedented” export opportunities, offering farmers alternative income streams.
Still, given current headwinds, the proposed “bridge payment” remains vital to help growers get through the 2025–26 cycle without severe financial hardship.
**The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s 2025-26 Corn Harvest Quality Report contained good news.
The 15th annual survey showed the 2025 corn crop is projected to be the largest on record at 425.5 million metric tons, or 16,752 bushels.
The report showed 87% of the samples met all grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade, while 97.8% met the requirements for No. 2 grade corn.
**The 27 member-states in the European Union approved the European Commission’s trade agreement with the U.S.
However, Mexico Business News said the European Parliament will challenge the elements it considers to be unfair after President Trump tripled tariffs on EU products while Brussels eliminated duties on U.S. imports.
In November, EU countries agreed to lower tariffs on U.S. imports under a deal struck last summer between the Commission and the White House.
